Is it the eventual replacement of a sport, or just a glorified form of human cock fighting?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport in which various fighting techniques are used, including striking and grappling. A form of MMA has actually been around since 648 BC, when the Greeks introduced a sport called pankration at the Olympic games. Due in large part to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the International Fighting League and Trench Warz, however, mixed martial arts has just begun to become internationally popular. Some believe the sport will grow more popular than the World Wrestling Entertainment franchise and maybe even boxing.

Although the sport is widely popular, many argue that MMA should be regulated. The complaints seem to focus on the underground, un-officiated organizations more than the UFC or IFL, but it isn’t out of the question that some states could start to ban the sport entirely.

Whether MMA really is the heir apparent to boxing or just another trendy faze, no one can discount the widespread popularity of the sport. Below is a web guide to official mixed martial arts organizations, news and instructional videos and books.

“This is really going to change the face of MMA. Literally creating a sport that could be as big around the world as soccer. I liken it somewhat to when the NFC and AFC came together to create the NFL.” – Lorenzo Fertitta, one of UFC’s majority owners